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Former Denver Bronco and two-time Super Bowl champ Steve Atwater reveals how he lost the excess weight he gained after leaving the gridiron. Atwater worked with Retrofit weight loss coaches to create a personalized program.

I'm amazed that I was able to lose weight without putting in the same amount of physical work that I did back when I played ball. --Steve Atwater on joining Retrofit, the official weight loss program of the NFLPA Former Players

Chicago, IL (PRWEB)February 03, 2014

Monday morning quarterbacks who consumed an estimated 217.4 billion calories watching the Big Game last night might need some help with their own game to burn some of those unwanted pounds. Today, they can learn from a pro. Former Denver Bronco and two-time Super Bowl champ Steve Atwater reveals how he lost the excess weight he gained after leaving the gridiron.

The legendary Atwater recently lost 21 pounds on Retrofit, the official weight loss program of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Former Players. Steve’s new method for weight loss is available on the Retrofit blog.

At the height of his career, the 6’4" Atwater weighed around 220 pounds. However, after he retired in 2000, his weight rose to nearly 280 pounds. A combination of limited exercise and inconsistent eating led to a significant gain over the years.

Atwater turned to Retrofit after several unsuccessful attempts to lose weight on his own. Retrofit’s unique, personalized approach to weight loss and access to weight loss coaches helped Atwater adopt significant nutrition and behavior changes to lose 21 pounds in 32 weeks. Atwater’s success is similar to other Retrofit clients. In fact, clients who completed a 12-month program lost an average of 19.1 pounds, or a clinically significant 8.3% of their starting body weight.

Atwater was an accomplished free safety who spent 11 seasons in the NFL (He played for ten seasons with Denver and one with the New York Jets.) Nicknamed the "Smiling Assassin," Atwater was known for his punishing hits on opponents. He was a first round draft pick in 1989, and his professional resume includes two Super Bowl wins and eight Pro Bowl appearances. Atwater spent his years in the NFL in pursuit of perfection. Now the former player and family man has new Retrofit coaches. His personal team of weight loss coaches taught him that he could get back to his playing weight without the grueling intensity of his training during his playing days.

Steve's New Playbook

1. Lose the All-or-Nothing Mentality

"Up until I discovered Retrofit, my biggest hurdle was in my mind," said Atwater, adding that the positive mental outlook and motivation have been critical to his successful weight loss. Atwater’s Retrofit Behavior Coach worked with him to understand that a positive mindset would make the difference.

2. Slow & Steady Wins the Race

Though Atwater demands nothing less than perfection in everything he does, he began to realize it’s okay to take it slow when losing weight. Real progress takes time.

3. Eating Shouldn’t Be a Hail Mary Pass

Smarter eating habits require care and thought. This was an area in which Atwater stumbled.

"I knew I had a problem, especially when it came to large, multiple servings," said Atwater. "I couldn’t resist. I knew I needed more discipline."

Working closely with a Retrofit Registered Dietitian, Atwater learned he could still enjoy the foods he already loved but could make smarter tweaks to his options. He embraced simple changes to his food choices, including:

Logging food daily

Enjoying regular meals throughout the day

Eating balanced meals according to "50/25/25" Rule for a ‘Perfect Plate’

"It didn't seem like I had done anything major," said Atwater of joining the Retrofit weight loss program. "It didn't really feel like dieting because I just made small adjustments."

Today, these new rules for healthy living have become second nature to Atwater.

"I'm amazed that I was able to lose weight without putting in the same amount of physical work that I did back when I played ball," said Atwater.

To learn more about Atwater and his custom Retrofit plan, please visit the full article.

About Retrofit

Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, is designed to deliver lasting results. Its innovative program for both individuals and corporations includes wireless monitoring of a client’s weight, activity and sleep, as well as access to wellness coaches consisting of registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, and behavior coaches. Retrofit has raised $15.7 million in venture financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) and Cambia Health Solutions. Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and by calling 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @retrofitme.